
Qass 
Book. 



£i:is_ 






CATECHISM 

OF THE 

HISTORY 

OF THE 

UNITED STATES: 

WITH A 

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF AMERICAN HISTORY, 

FROM ITS DISCOVERY IN 1492, TO THE YEAR 1850. 
Designed to accomynny Irving-s Scries of Catechisms. 



By M. J. KERNEY, Esq. 

Author of Compendium of Ancient and Modern History, 4c, &c. &c. 



ADAPTED TO THE USE OF SCHOOLS IN THE UNITED STATES. 



" There is nothing that can better deserve our patronage than the promotion of science 
and literature. Knoivledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness; and 
in one in which the measures of government receive their impression so immediately from 
the souse of the community as in ours, it is proportionably essential.'' 

TVashington. 



BALTIMORE: 
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY J. MURPHY & CO. 

No. 178 MARKET STREET. 

PHILAD'A: KAY & TROUTMAN. PITTSBURG: GEORGE QUIGLEY. 

Sold by Booksellers generally throughout the United States. 

18 5 



ENTERiiD, according to the act of Congress, in the year eighteen 
hundred and fifty, by John Murphy & Co., in the Clerk's Office 
of the District Court of Maryland. 



PREFACE 



The following little Work is designed for 
children about to commence the study of His- 
tory. It has been compiled at the request of 
the Publishers, to be used in connection with 
Irving's highly popular series of Catechisms. 
The plan of the Work is similar to that adopted 
by Dr. Irving. The catechetical form of in- 
struction is now admitted by the most expe- 
rienced teachers, to be the best adapted to the 
nature and capacity of children ; — a system by 
which they will acquire a knowledge of a science 
in less time than by any other. 

As an introductory work, the following Cate- 
chism will be found to posssess many advan- 
tages, particularly for that class of learners for 
which it is designed. It presents to the minds 
of the young a clear and concise view of the 



VI PREFACE. 

most interesting and important events of the 
history of their own country. The Chronolo- 
gical Table will render them familiar with the 
dates of the most important transactions, and 
serve as an excellent method of exercising their 
memories. 



CONTENTS. 



Page 

Introduction. . . , 9 

Chap. 

I. Discovery and Antiquities of America. ....... 11 

II. The Settlement of Virginia 15 

III. The Settlement of the New England States. . . 18 

IV. The Settlement of the Middle and Southern 

States 22 

V. The French War, and Conquest of Canada. ... 25 

VI. The Causes of the Revolution 29 

VII. The Revolutionary War 31 

VIII. Revolutionary War, continued 36 

IX. The Revolutionary War, continued 41 

X. The Revolution, concluded 45 

XI. Adoption of the Constitution of the United States 

— Diificulties with France, &c. &c 50 

XII. The late War with England 56 

XIII. The National Bank, &c 63 

XIV. War with Mexico — Causes of the War — the 

Battle of Palo Alto — Battle of the Resaca de 
la Palma — Battle of Monterey — Battle of 

Buena Vista 69 

XV. General Scott— Surrender of Vera Cruz — Battle 
Cerro Gordo — Battle of Contreras — Battle of 
Churubusco — Surrender of the City of Mexico 75 
A Chronological Table of American History, 

from the Discovery in 1492, to the year 1850 S3 



A CATECHISM 

OF THE 

HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



INTRO DU CTI ON. 

Q. What is History ? 

A. History is a written narrative of past 
events. 

Q. What are the divisions of History ? 

A. History is divided into Ancient and Mo- 
dern ; Sacred and Profane. 

Q. What do you understand by Ancient 
History ? 

A. Ancient History, is an account of all 
events, that have taken place from the Crea- 
tion of the world to the Christian Era. 

Q. What is Modern History ? 

A. Modern History embraces an account of 
all events, from the birth of Christ to the pre- 
sent time. 

Q. What is Sacred History ? 

A. Sacred History is that, which is con- 
tained in the Sacred Scriptures. 

Q. What is Profane History ? 

A. Profane History is properly the history 
of fabulous gods, and heroes of antiquity. 



10 INTRODUCTION. 

Q. Which is the most ancient history ? 

A. The most ancient history, is that con- 
tained in the Old Testament ; which gives an 
account of the Creation of the world, the fall 
of our first parents, &c. 

Q,. How many years from the Creation of the 
world to the birth of Christ? 

A. It is commonly said to be four thousand 
and four years. 

Q. How is Ancient History distinguished ? 

A. It is distinguished for the rise and fall of 
the four great Empires of Assyria, Persia, 
Greece and Rome. 

Q. For what is Modern History distin- 
guished ? 

A. Modern History is distinguished for the 
invention of gunpowder, the discovery of 
America, and the invention of the art of print- 
ing. 

Q. What are the Middle Ages ? 

A. The Middle Ages, embrace a period, 
which extends from the decline of the Wes- 
tern Empire of the Romans, to the fall of the 
Eastern Empire. 

Q. How are Middle Ages distinguished r 

A. They are distinguished by the rise, and 
progress of Mahometanism, the Feudal Sys- 
tem, Crusades, and Chivalry. 



CHAPTER I. 

Discovery and Antiquities of America. 

Q. Who discovered America ? 

A. Christopher Columbus. 

Q. When and where was Columbus born ? 

A. At Genoa, in Italy; in the year 1435. 

Q. How was his youth spent ? 

Q. At the age of fourteen, he engaged in 
a sea-faring life; and soon became distin- 
guished, for his skill in managing boats and 
vessels upon the water. 

Q. In what branches of knowledge did he 
excel } 

A. He was particularly distinguished for 
his knowledge of Geometry, Astronomy, Geo- 
graphy, and Naval science. 

Q. What were the people of Europe at that 
time endeavoring to fmd ? 

A. They were endeavoring to find a passage 
by water to the East Indies. 

Q. How did they expect to find a passage 
by water ^ 

A. By sailing around the southern part of 
Africa, and then taking an eastern course. 

Q. What did Columbus conclude ? 

A. Columbus, reasoning from the spherical 
figure of the earth, concluded that the Indies 



12 HISTORY OF 

might be reached, by sailing directly west from 
Europe. 

Q. To whom did he first apply for assis- 
tance ? 

A. He first applied to the government of 
Genoa, his native country, but his theory was 
treated as visionary. 

Q. By whom was he finally assisted .? 

A. By Ferdinand and Isabella, the sovereigns 
of Spain. 

Q. Where did he sail from ? 

A. From the port of Palos in Spain, with 
three small vessels, carrying ninety men. 

Q. When did he discover America ? 

A. On the 1 2th of October, in the year 1 492. 

Q. What land did he first reach ? 

A. He first reached one of the Bahama Is- 
lands, to which he gave the name of Saint 
Salvadore. 

Q. How many voyages did Columbus make 
to America .'' 

A. Four; in the third of which he dis- 
covered the Continent, and landed in several 
places in the northern part of South America. 

Q. Why was the country called America ? 

A. The country was called America, from 
Americus Vespucius, who sailed to the New 
World, on a voyage of discovery, after Co- 
lumbus had reached the Continent; Americus 
explored, still farther, the new regions, and 
on his return to Spain published an account of 



THE UNITED STATES. 13 

his discovery, and the country in consequence, 
received the name of Jlmerica. 

Q. By whom was North America dis- 
covered ? 

A. By John Cabot, then in the service of 
Henry the VII, king of Eni^land. 

Q. What part of the Continent did Cabot 
discover ? ♦ 

A. He discovered the coast of Labrador, 
and sailed along the southern coast, and took 
possession of the country in the name of his 
sovereign. This laid the foundation of the 
British claim to North America. 

Q. In what year did this take place ? 

A. In the year 1496; and one year later, 
he discovered Newfoundland. 

Q. Is it probable that any part of America 
was known before the time of Columbus ? 

A. It is said that Greenland was visited by 
the Norwegians, in the year 982, and it is now 
generally believed, that America at an early 
period was inhabited by a race of people far 
more advanced in civilization, than the Indians. 

Q. How do they support this conjecture ? 

A. By the ruins of many extensive works 
of art, found in many parts of the country. 

Q. Where may some of these be found? 

A. In Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New 
York, Kentucky, and many other States. 

Q. What ruins do you find in Virginia ? 

A. Near Wheeling, on the Ohio River, is 



14 HISTORY OF 

to be seen the ruins of an ancient mound, fifty- 
feet in circumference, and ninety feet high. 
This mound is filled with thousands of human 
skeletons, and was probably situated near some 
great city, and was the general deposite of the 
dead for ages. 

Q. What may be found in Pennsylvania? 

A. Near Marietta are extensive fortifica- 
tions, consisting of walls, and mounds of earth, 
from six to ten feet high, and nearly forty feet 
broad at the base. On the Susquehanna 
River, a piece of pottery was found, measur- 
ing twelve feet across the top, and thirty-six 
feet in circumference. 

Q. What ruins may be seen in Ohio ? 

A. On the banks of the Muskingum River, 
are the ruins of immense walls, forts, mounds, 
and wells, many of them built of hewn stone ; 
and at Paint Creek, are to be seen the remains 
of ancient forts of immense size, covering one 
hundred and fifteen acres of land. 

Q. What has been found in New York > 

A. In Onondaga County, is the site of an 
ancient burying ground. In one of the graves 
was found a glass bottle, and an iron hatchet 
edged with steel. In Scipio County, a man 
found several hundred weight of brass, and a 
quantity of wrought iron, sufficient to shoe his 
horses for many years. On the Genesee 
River, a piece of silver was found, on which 
was engraved in Arabic letters, the year of our 
Lord 600. 



THE UNITED STATES. 15 

Q. What may be found in Kentucky ? 

A. Lexington, in Kentucky, stands nearly on 
the site of an ancient town of great extent and 
magnificence, the ruins of which are still 
visible. 

Q. What do these things prove ? 

A. They prove, that America was at some 
remote period inhabited by a race of people, 
acquainted with many of the mechanical arts, 
and far advanced in civilization ; and that, by 
some unknown cause, they disappeared from 
the country, or sank into a state of barbarism, 
such as the natives were found when Columbus 
first visited the country. 



CHAPTER II. 

The Settlement of Virginia, 

Q. When and where did the English com- 
mence their settlement in America? 

A. In 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh sent out a 
company of adventurers, who landed on an 
island in Pamlico Sound, and then proceeded 
to the Isle of Roanoke, where they commenced 
a settlement. 

Q. What was the fate of this party? 

A. They were in a short time reduced to 
the utmost distress by famine, and by hostili- 



16 HISTORY OF 

ties with the natives, and returned again to 
England. 

Q. What did Raleigh do, in 1585? 

A. In 1585, Raleigh sent out another com- 
pany of one hundred and fifty men. 

Q. Where did thev land? 

A. This party also landed on the Isle of 
Roanoke, but they were soon reduced to great 
distress, and returned to England with Sir 
Francis Drake. 

Q. When was the first permanent settlement 
made in Virginia? 

A. The first permanent settlement was made 
in Virginia, in 1607, at Jamestown, under the 
direction of the London Company. 

Q. What have you to observe of the first 
settlers ? 

A. They were men of dissipated habits, 
and destitute of industry and economy. They 
were soon involved in war with the Indians; 
and in six months after they landed, half their 
number died of famine and disease. 

Q. What distinguished man was among the 
first settlers ? 

A. Captain John Smith. 

Q. What have you to relate of Smith? 

A. He was taken prisoner by the Indians, 
who carried him to Powhatan, their king. 

Q. W^hat sentence was pronounced on 
Smith ? 

A. He was condemned to death, and imme- 
diately led forth to execution. 



THE UNITED STATES. 17 

Q. What happened as they were about to 
execute him ? 

A. His head was laid upon a stone, and the 
savages with uplifted clubs were about to kill 
him; but just at this moment, Pocahontas, the 
favorite daughter of Powhatan, rushed be- 
tween the executioners and the prisoner, and 
by her tears and entreaties prevailed on her 
father to spare the life of Smith. 

Q. Was her prayer heard ? 

A. Yes ; Smith obtained his liberty, and re- 
turned in safety to Jamestown. 

Q. What is related of Pocahontas? 

A. Powhatan had secretly planned the des- 
truction of the Colony, but Pocahontas went 
to Jamestown on a dark and stormy night, and 
disclosed to Smith the designs of her father, 
and thus saved the colony from destruction. 

Q. What liappened to her on another visit 
to Jamestown ? 

A. She was detained a prisoner. 

Q. Whom did she marry? 

A. She Avas married to a young man named 
John Rolfe, with whom she sailed to England, 
and was there instructed in the Christian re- 
ligion, and publicly baptized. 

Q. Where did she die? 

A. She died at Gravesend, leaving one son, 
from whom some of the most eminent families 
are descended. 

Q. When and by whom was slavery in- 
troduced ? 



18 HISTORY OF 

A. In the year 1620, a Dutch vessel from 
the coast of Guinea, sailed up the James Ri- 
ver, having on board about twenty negroes, 
who were sold to the planters. 

Q. What happened on the 22d of March, 
1623? 

A. The colony was attacked by the Indians, 
and in one fatal hour, 347 of the colonists, 
fell victims to their cruelty. 

Q. What took place in 1676? 

A. An insurrection broke out, called Bacon's 
Rebellion, from the name of its leader. 

Q. During this rebellion, what happened? 

A. The country was laid waste, and James- 
town burned to the ground ; but it was termi- 
nated by the death of Bacon. 



CHAPTER III. 

The Settlement of the JVew England States. 

Q. How did these States get the name of 
New England ? 

A. In 1614, this section of the country was 
visited by the celebrated Captain Smith, who 
explored the coast, and on his return to Eu- 
rope, made a map of the country, and called it 
JYew Engla7id. 



Q. By whom was Massachusetts settled ? 



THE UNITED STATES. 19 

A. By a company of persons from England, 
called Puritans. 

Q. Where had the Puritans gone, before 
they removed to America ? 

A. They had gone to Holland. 

Q. Why did they resolve to remove to 
America ? 

A. To avoid the persecution carried on 
against them in their own country, on account 
of their religion. 

Q. What was the name of the vessel in 
which they sailed ? 

A. The Mayflower. 

Q. Where did they intend to land ? 

A. They intended to land at the mouth of 
the Hudson River, but they were carried much 
further to the north. 

Q. When, and where did they land ? 

A. They landed on the 22d of December, 
1620, at a place, called by the natives Patuxet, 
but to which they gave the name of Plymouth. 

Q. Why did they call the place Plymouth ? 

A. In honor of Plymouth, in England, the 
port from which they sailed. 

Q. What was the number of the pilgrims ? 

A. They numbered 101. 

Q. What was their condition ? 

A. They suffered greatly from famine and 
sickness, so that half their number died before 
spring. 

Q. When and by whom was Connecticut 
settled ? 



20 HISTORY OF 

A. In 1636, by a company of persons from 
Massachusetts, with their minister, Mr. Hooker. 

Q. Where did they commence their first 
settlements ? 

A. At Windsor, Hartford, and Weathers- 
field. 

Q. By whom was Rhode Island settled ? 

A. Rhode Island was settled in 1636, by 
Roger Williams, a clergyman, who was ex- 
pelled from Massachusetts on account of his 
religious opinions. 

Q. What did Williams call the first town } 

A. He called it Providence, in grateful re- 
membrance of the protection of Heaven over 
him. 

Q. What may be remarked of the charter 
obtained from England for the government of 
the colony .? 

A. The charter was liberal ; it granted free 
toleration in matters of religion; yet the Ro- 
man Catholics were excluded from voting at 
election, and from all civil offices. 

Q, By whom was the first settlement in 
Neu^ Hampshire made.'' 

A. By the Rev. Mr. Wheelright, and a few 
followers, who were also banished from Mas- 
sachusetts, on account of their religion. 

Q. Who made the first settlement in Maine ? 

A. The first settlement in Maine was made 
by Ferdinand Gorges, in 1636. 

Q. From what did the New England colo- 
nies suffer ? 



THE UNITED STATES. 21 

A. They suffered greatly from the hostili- 
ties of the Indians. 

Q What were the most powerful tribes ? 

A. The Narragansetts and the Pequods. 

Q. What have you to relate concerning the 
two tribes ? 

A. The Narragansetts and Pequods, were 
always great enemies to each other ; at length 
the former joined the English in a war against 
the latter, and the nation of the Pequods was 
entirely destroyed. 

Q. When and where was the first printing- 
press established in America ? 

A. In the year 1639, at Cambridge, in Mas- 
sachusetts. 

Q. What may be said of the colonists, with 
regard to education } 

A. They took deep interest in the affairs of 
education, and at an early period, established 
schools and colleges for the education of their 
children. 

Q. When was Harvard University founded } 

A. In the year 1638, at Cambridge. 

Q. When and where was William and Mary 
College founded ? 

A. In the year 1693, in Virginia. 

Q. When was Yale College founded ? 

A. In the year 1700, at Saybrook, in Con- 
necticut. 

Q. When was Dartmouth College founded .? 

A. In the year 1769, at Hanover, New 
Hampshire. 



22 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER IV. 

Tke Settlement of the Middle and Southern 
States. 

Q. By whom was New York settled ? 

A. By a company of Dutch, in the year 
1614. 

Q. Where did they commence their settle- 
ment ? 

A. They sailed up the Hudson River, and 
commenced a settlement near the present city 
of Albany ; they also commenced another 
settlement on Manhattan Island, where the 
city of New York now stands, and called it, 
New Amsterdam. 

Q. What took place in the year 1664? 

A. New Amsterdam was conquered by the 
English, and called New York, in honor of 
the Duke of York, to whom it was granted. 

Q. By whom was Delaware settled ? 

A. Delaware was settled by the Swedes 
and Finns, in 1630. 

Q. Where did they commence their first 
settlement ? 

A. Near the entrance of the Delaware Bay, 
where they laid the foundation of Lewistown, 
the oldest town in the State. 

Q. A few years after they commenced this 
settlement, what took place ? 



THE UNITED STATES. 23 

A. The Swedes and Finns were conquered, 
and their colony subdued by Stuyvesant, the 
governor of New Netherlands. 

Q. By whom was Maryland settled? 
A. The settlement of Maryland was com- 
menced in 1G33, by a colony of Roman Ca- 
tholics under Lord Baltimore, a native of Eng- 
land. 

Q. Why did they leave England .? 
A. They left England, because they were 
greatly persecuted, on account of their re- 
ligion. 

Q. Where did they land ? 
A. They landed on the shores of the Chesa- 
peake Bay, and commenced a settlement, at a 
village, which they purchased from the In- 
dians, and called Saint Mary's. 

Q. What were the names of the vessels, in 
which they sailed ? 

A. They w^ere called the Ark and the Dove. 
Q. What have you to observe with regard 
to the government of this colony ? 

A. The government of Lord Baltimore, was 
established on the most liberal principles. 
Civil and religious liberty were proclaimed ; 
no one was molested on account of his reli- 
gion ; and all were permitted to worship God, 
according to the dictates of their own con- 
science. 

j Q. To whom docs the honor of having first 
r established religious freedom in America, bc- 
{long? 



24 HISTORY OF 

A. To the Roman Catholics of Maryland. 

Q. By whom was Pennsylvania settled ? 

A. By a company of Friends, or Quakers, 
under the celebrated William Penn. 

Q. When did they arrive in this country ? 

A. The first company arrived in the year 
1681 ; but Penn himself did not arrive until 
about a year later, with another party. 

Q. Where did they commence a settlement } 

A. They purchased the land from the na- 
tives, and commenced a settlement on the 
Delaware River, where the city of Philadel- 
phia now stands. 

Q. What have you to observe of this colony .'* 

A. William Penn, following the example of 
Lord Baltimore, established full liberty of 
conscience, and the settlement soon became 
flourishing. 

Q. When and w^here did Penn die .'' 

A. He died in England, in 1718, in the 75th 
year of his age. 

Q. By whom was North Carolina settled } 

A. In the year 1650, by a colony from 
Virginia. 

Q. Where did they commence a settlement } 

A. Near Albemarle Sound. 

Q. When was South Carolina settled ? 

A. In the year 1689, where Charleston now 
stands. 

Q. What was introduced in 1700? 

A. In the year 1700, the cultivation of cot- 
ton and rice was introduced. 



THE UNITED STATES. 25 

Q. When and by whom was Georgia settled ? 

A. In the year 1732, by Mr. Oglethorpe, 
who commenced a settlement where the city 
of Savannah now stands. 



CHAPTER V. 

The French War, and Conquest of Canada. 

Q. Where had the French made settle- 
ments ? 

A. They had made settlements in Canada, 
Nova Scotia, and near the Mississippi River. 

Q. What occurred between the English and 
French settlers ? 

A. Frequent disputes. 

Q. What did the French endeavor to do ? 

A. They endeavored to connect their dis- 
tant possessions, by erecting forts along the 
Ohio River, and military posts from that river 
across the country to the lakes. 

Q. What did the governor of Virginia do? 

A. He resolved to send a person to the 
French settlement on the Ohio, to demand the 
cause of those hostile proceedings. 

Q. On whom did the choice fall .? 

A. On George Washington, then a young 
man in the twenty-first year of his age. 

Q. When and where was Washington born,? 
3 



26 HISTORY OF 

A. On the 22d of February, in 1732, in 
Westmoreland County, Virginia. 

Q. How was his youth distinguished ? 

A. It was distinguished by his attention and 
progress in his studies, and great regard for 

TRUTH. 

Q. How far was the French forts on the 
Ohio, from the Virginia colony. 

A. The distance was about 400 miles, 200 
of which, were through a wilderness inhabi- 
ted by hostile tribes of Indians. 

Q. How did Washington travel } 

A. He started on horse-back ; but before he 
had proceeded far, his horse failed. He then 
proceeded on foot, with a musket in his hand, 
and a pack on his back. He reached the 
French settlement, delivered the message to 
the commander, and returned in safety to Vir- 
ginia. 

Q. What have you to observe of the reply 
of the French commander ^ 

A. The reply did not give satisfaction, and 
the governor of Virginia immediately organ- 
ized a regiment, to support the claims of Great 
Britain. 

Q. Who was appointed commander of this 
regiment ? 

A. Mr. Fry was appointed colonel, and 
young Washington lieutenant-colonel ; but on 
the death of Fry, which happened shortly 
afterwards, the command devolved upon Wash- 
ington. 



THE UNITED STATES. 27 

Q. Where did Washington proceed ? 

A. He marched forward to attack the 
French at Fort Duquesne, near the place where 
Pittsburg now stands. 

Q. What happened before he reached that 
place ? 

A. Before he reached the fort, he was in- 
formed that the French had been strongly re- 
inforced. 

Q. What did he do? 

A. He fell back to a fort which he had re- 
cently thrown up. 

Q. What took place there? 

A. He was there attacked by the French, 
and made a brave resistance, but he was at last 
compelled to capitulate. 

Q. What happened in 1754? 

A. General Braddock arrived in Virginia, 
with authority of commander-in-chief of the 
English forces in America. 

Q. What did Braddock do? 

A. Despising the prudent advice of Wash- 
ington, he pushed forward to Fort Duquesne. 

Q. What was the consequence ? 

A. Before he reached the fort, he was sud- 
denly attacked by a body of French and In- 
dians. 

Q. What followed ? 

A. After making a brave resistance, the En- 
glish were totally defeated. 

Q. What is said of Braddock ? 



28 HISTORY OF 

A. He did all that a brave general could 
do ; but after having five horses shot under 
him, he fell mortally wounded. 

Q. What is said of Washington ? 

A. Washington, had two horses shot under 
him, and four balls passed through his coat, 
yet he escaped unhurt. 

Q. About the same time, what took place in 
the eastern colonies ^ 

A. General Shirley, of Massachusetts, led 
an expedition against Canada ; but it was un- 
successful ; and Oswego w^as taken by the 
French. 

Q. What took place in 1759? 

A. Niagara taken by Sir William Johnson, 
and Quebec by General Wolfe. 

Q. What is related of Wolfe.? 

A. He received a mortal wound in the mo- 
ment of victory, and was carried to the rear 
of the army. When in the agonies of death, 
he heard the shout : " They fly, they fly !" 
" Who fly i*" asked the dying hero ; and being 
told that it was the French, he replied : " I 
die happy ;" and immediately expired. 

Q. What is related of Montcalm, the French 
commander } 

A. Montcalm also fell mortally wounded; 
and being told that he could survive only a 
few moments, he replied : " So much the bet- 
ter ; I shall not then live to see the surrender 
of Quebec." 



THE UNITED STATES. 



Q. What took place the following year? 
A. Canada was reduced to a British pro- 
vince. 



CHAPTER VI. . 

TJie Causes of the Revolution. 

Q. What may be observed of the colonies 
up to this period ? 

A. Up to this period the colonies expressed 
a warm attachment for England, and felt proud 
of their connection with one of the most pow- 
erful nations of Europe. 

Q. What w^ere some of the causes which led 
to the American Revolution ? 

A. Shortly after the French war, the British 
government began to encroach upon the rights 
of the colonies, and wished to raise a revenue, 
by taxing them, without their consent. 

Q. What was the first act of oppression, 
passed by the British parliament towards the 
American colonies? 

A. It was the famous Stamp Act^ passed in 
the year 1765. 

Q. What was the nature of this act ? 

A. By this act, the Americans were com- 
pelled to use stamped paper for all notes, bonds, 
and other legal instruments, on which paper, a 



80 HISTORY OF 

heavy duty was to be paid to the British gov- 
ernment. 

Q. What did the Americans do, when they 
heard of the passage of this act? 

A. They shut up the courts of justice, and 
the people settled their disputes by arbitration; 
they then formed an association against import- 
ing or using British goods. 

Q. What took place in 1766? 

A. The opposition to the stamp act was so 
great, that it was repealed in 1766. 

Q. What was the next act of oppression on 
the part of the British parliament? 

A. In 1767, a duty was laid on tea, glass, 
paper, and several other articles, imported to 
the colonies. 

Q. What followed the passage of this act? 

A. The flame of opposition increased in 
America, to such a degree, that in 1770, the 
British parliament repealed the duties on all 
articles, except three pence per pound on tea. 

Q. In 1773, how did the people of Boston 
express their opposition to the duty on tea? 

A. A party of men, disguised as Indians, 
went on board the ships, during the night, and 
threw the tea, consisting of 342 chests, into 
the harbor. 

Q. When the news of this action reached 
England, what did the parliament do ? 

A. An act was passed, by which the port of 
Boston was closed, and the government trans- 
ferred to Salem. 



THE UlflTED STATES. 31 

Q. What other tyrannical act was passed 
about this time ? 

A. An act was passed by the British parlia- 
ment, by which, all persons indicted for capital 
offences, were to be sent to England for trial. 

Q. When and where did the first Continen- 
tal Congress meet? 

A. At Philadelphia, in the year 1774. 

Q. What was entered into ? 

A. An agreement was entered into, called, 
the Solemn League and Covenant, by which 
the members determined to suspend all inter- 
course with Great Britain, until their rights 
should be restored. 

Q. Who was the first president of the Con- 
tinental Congress? 

A. Peyton Randolph, of Virginia. 

Q. What was commenced about this time? 

A. A regular enlistment of soldiers. 



CHAPTER VII. 

The Revolutionary War. 

Q. Where was the first battle fought in 
the Revolution ? 

A. At Lexington, in the year 1775. 

Q. What occasioned the battle of Lexington ? 

A. On the 19th April, a body of British 



32 HISTORY OF 

troops was sent to destroy some military stores 
collected at Concord ; but in passing through 
Lexington, they were met by a small party of 
Americans, who had assembled to oppose their 
progress. 

Q. What was the issue of the battle ? 

A. The Americans were dispersed, and the 
British troops proceeded to Concord. 

Q. What followed this event? 

A. The Americans roused by the report of 
the muskets, assembled by hundreds, and the 
British were obliged to retreat to Boston. 

Q. What happened to them in their retreat ? 

A. They were attacked by the Americans, 
and sixty-five of their number killed, and one 
hundred and eighty wounded. 

Q. What did Congress do immediately after 
this event ? 

A. It voted that thirty thousand men should 
be raised in the New England colonies. 

Q. In the mean time what was done ^ 

A. Crown Point, and several other forts and 
magazines, in the possession of the English, 
were seized by the Americans. 

Q. What did the Americans resolve .'' 

A. They resolved, if possible, to drive the 
British from Boston. 

Q,. For this purpose, what did they do ? 

A. They directed Colonel Prescott, with a 
body of one thousand men, to throw up an 
intrenchment on Bunker's Hill 



THE UNITED STATES. 33 

Q. What mistake took place ? 

A. Prescott took possession of Breed's Hill, 
an eminence much nearer Boston. 

Q. When did Prescott gain possession of 
the hill ? 

A. He reached the place during the night 
of the 16th of June, and worked so silently 
that the English had no intimation of his 
design, until the sun, on the return of day, 
beamed upon the American works. 

Q. What did the British do, when they be- 
held Breed's Hill occupied by the Americans? 

A. After firing upon the works from the 
ships in the harbor, without effect. General 
Gage sent General Howe and General Pigot, 
with three thousand men, to drive the Ameri- 
cans from the hill. 

Q. What followed.? 

A. The memorable battle of Bunker's Hill, 
during which the British troops were twice 
repulsed, with a heavy loss; but being rein- 
forced, they finally succeeded in carrying the 
fortification. 

Q. How did the Americans fight .? 

A. They fought with determined bravery ; 
when all their ammunition was exhausted, they 
continued the battle wnth the butt-end of their 
muskets, and were only driven from their 
works at the point of the bayonet. 

Q. What was the loss on both sides ^ 

A. The British lost one thousand and fifty- 



34 HISTORY OF 

four, in killed and wounded ; and the Americans 
thirty-nine killed, and two hundred and twen- 
ty-eight wounded. 

Q. During the battle of Bunker's Hill, what 
town was set on fire ? 

A. Charlestown : a few bombs were thrown 
into it, and the place soon enveloped in flames. 

Q. After this battle, who was chosen as 
Commander-in-chief of the American forces ? 

A. George Washington, then in the forty- 
fourth year of his age. 

Q. When and where did Washington take 
command of the army ? 

A, On the 2d of July 1775, at Cambridge, 
near Boston. 

Q. Who were sent to invade Canada .? 

A. Generals Schuyler and Montgomery. 

Q. What place did Montgomery capture .'' 

A. Montreal. 

Q. Who was sent to aid Montgomery } 

A. General Arnold. 

Q. What place did they attempt to take by 
storm } 

A. The city of Quebec. 

Q. What was the result ? 

A. The attempt proved unsuccessful, and 
fatal to the heroic Montgomery, who fell in 
the act of scaling the walls. 

Q. What was the first operation of General 
Washington .'' 

A. The expulsion of the British from Boston. 



THE UNITED STATES. 35 

Q. How did he effect this? 

A. He erected a battery on Dorchester 
Point, which soon obliged General Howe to 
abandon the city. 

Q. When did the British leave Boston ? 

A. On the 17th of March they embarked 
for Halifax. 

Q. By whom was the city of Charleston, 
the capital of South Carolina, attacked? 

A. By Sir Peter Parker with several British 
vessels of war. 

Q. What was the result ? 

A. After a violent assault, which lasted for 
ten hours, they were compelled to retire. 

Q. Who defended the city ? 

A. Colonel Moultrie. 

Q. On the 7th of June what motion was 
made in Congress ? 

A. A motion was made by Richard Henry 
Lee of Virginia, and seconded by John Adams 
of Massachusetts, declaring the colonies free 
and independent. 

Q. When did the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence take place ? 

A. On the fourth of July in the year 1776. 

Q. Who wrote the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence ? 

A. Thomas Jefferson. 

Q. How many colonies were there at that 
time ? 

A. Thirteen. 



36 HISTORY OF 

Q. What were they declared to be ? 

A. They were declared to be JPree, Sove- 
reign, and Independent States. 

Q. Where was Congress then assembled ? 

A. In Philadelphia. 

Q. Who was then president of the Congress ? 

A. John Hancock. 

Q. How did the signers pledge themselves 
to support this declaration ? 

A. They pledged their lives, their fortunes, 
and their sacred honor. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Revolutionary War — Continued. 

Q. When and where was the first battle 
fought after the Declaration of Independence ? 

A. On the 2d of August, on Long Island. 

Q. Which party was victorious? 

A. The British. 

Q. Who commanded the Americans? 

A. General Sullivan. 

Q. By whom were the British commanded ? 

A. Sir Henry Clinton, Percy, and Lord 
Cornwallis. 

Q. Can you tell the loss on both sides? 

A. The British lost four hundred, but the 
Americans lost about one thousand in killed, 
wounded and prisoners. 



THE UNITED STATES. 37 

Q. After this battle, what did the British do ? 

A. They took possession of New York; 
October 12th. 

Q. Where did the Americans retire ? 

A. They retired to White Plains, where, on 
the 28th of October, a severe action took 
place, in which several hundred were killed 
and wounded on both sides ; yet neither party 
could claim the victory. 

Q. After this battle, where did Washington 
retire ? 

A. He retired to Newark ; from thence he 
passed through New Brunswick, Princeton, 
Trenton, and finally crossed the Delaware ; 
being closely pursued by the British under 
Lord Cornwallis. 

Q. Where was General Lee taken prisoner ? 

A. At Baskenridge, near Brunswick. 

Q. During the winter of this year, what 
daring enterprise did Washington accomplish ? 

A. On the 25th of December he recrossed 
the Delaware, and surprised a large body of 
Hessian troops at Trenton, and took them pri- 
soners. 

Q. What was the number of the prisoners ? 

A. About one thousand and forty-eight. 

Q. Who were the Hessians ? 

A. They were German soldiers, hired by 
England to fight against the Americans. 

Q. What did Washington then do ? 

A. Taking with him a great quantity of 



38 HISTORY OF 

arms and ammunition that fell into his hands, 
he recrossed the Delaware the same day. 

Q. What was Washington's next exploit? 

A. On the 3d of January, 1777, he proceed- 
ed to Princeton, defeated a party of British, 
with a loss of three hundred men, and com- 
pelled the remainder, about three hundred in 
number, to surrender themselves as prisoners 
of war. 

Q. What is said of these achievements ? 

A. They diffused universal joy among the 
Americans, and inspired them with fresh ardor 
in the cause of freedom. 

Q. During this spring, what took place in 
Connecticut ? 

A. Governor Tryon was sent by the British 
to destroy some military stores at Danbury. 

Q. Did he succeed in his design ? 

A. He destroyed the stores, and partly 
burnt the town. 

Q. What happened on his return? 

A. He was attacked and defeated by the 
Americans under General Wooster, who un- 
fortunately lost his life. 

Q. What was the object of General Howe ? 

A. To gain possession of Philadelphia. 

Q. For this purpose, what did he do ? 

A. He embarked his troops at New York, 
sailed up the Chesapeake Bay, and landing at 
the head of Elk river, he commenced his 
march to Philadelphia. 



THE UNITED STATES. SU 

Q. When and where was he opposed ? 

A. On the 11th of September, on the banks 
of the river Brandywine, not far from Wil- 
mington. 

Q. What was the result of the battle ? 

A. The Americans, under General Wash- 
ington, were repulsed. 

Q. What two distinguished foreigners serv- 
ed under the American banners, in the battle ? 

A. La Fayette of France, and Pulaski of 
Poland ; the former of whom was wounded. 

Q. When did the British take possession of 
Philadelphia.'* 

A. On the 26th of September, 1777. 

Q. What took place on the 4th of October ? 

A. An attempt was made by General Wash- 
ington to surprise a detachment of the British 
at Germantown ; but the attempt was unsuc- 
cessful. 

Q. Where had the Americans two forts 
erected ? 

A. They had one on Mud Island, below 
Philadelphia, called fort Mifflin ; and another 
on the Jersey shore, called Red Bank. 

Q. What have you to observe of these forts? 

A. They w^ere repeatedly attacked by the 
British, and finally taken, but not until they 
were entirely battered down, and all the can- 
non dismounted. 

Q. Where did Washington take up his win- 
ter-quarters ? 



40 HISTORY OF 

A. At Valley-Forge, about twenty miles 
from Philadelphia. 

Q. What have you to observe of the condi- 
tion of the Americans at Valley-Forge ? 

A. They were destitute of almost every 
thing; shoes, stockings, blankets, tents, &c., 
and had nothing but temporary huts to shelter 
them from the inclemency of the weather. 

Q. What took place at Bennington ? 

A. Colonel Baum, the British commander, 
was defeated by the Americans under General 
Starke. 

Q. When did this engagement take place ? 

A. On the 16th of August, 1777. 

Q. Who was the commander-in-chief of the 
British forces in this quarter? 

A. General Burgoyne. 

Q. Who, at that time, was appointed to the 
command of the American forces? 

A. General Gates. 

Q. What battle took place the 19th of Sep- 
tember ? 

A. The battle of Stillwater, on the west 
side of the Hudson river. 

Q. What party gained the victory ? 

A. The battle was indecisive, though the 
Americans had the advantage. 

Q. Where did Burgoyne entrench himself? 

A. At Saratoga. 

Q. What took place on the 17th of Octo- 
ber, 1777? 



THE UNITED STATES. 41 

A. Burgoyne was compelled to surrender 
himself, and his whole army, to General Gates, 
as prisoners of war. 

Q. What was the number of troops that 
surrendered to General Gates at Saratoga ? 

A. About 5,790 men, together with all their 
arms, ammunition, and military stores. 



CHAPTER IX. 

The Revolutionary War continued. 

Q. What took place in the early part of 
the year 1778? 

A. A treaty of alliance was concluded be- 
tween France and the United States. 

Q. Can you name the American commis- 
sioners with whom the treaty was negotiated? 

A. Dr. Franklin, Silas Dean and Arthur Lee. 

Q. When the news of this treaty reached 
England, what was done by the British gov- 
ernment ? 

A. War was immediately declared against 
France, and commissioners were sent to Amer- 
ica, to settle the difficulties with the colonies. 

Q. Were these commissioners successful ? 

A. No ; their offers were rejected. 

Q. What took place on the 22d of June^ 
1778? 

4 



42 HISTORY OF 

A. The British evacuated Philadelphia. 

Q. What occurred on the 28th of June ? 

A. The battle of Monmouth took place. 

Q. Can you describe the battle? 

A. The battle was conducted for some time 
with great bravery on both sides ; at length 
General Lee retreated, and threw the Ameri- 
can lines into disorder ; but Washington com- 
ing up at this moment, order was again re- 
stored. The battle ended with the day; and 
during the night the British silently withdrew, 
and continued their march to New York. 

Q. What assistance arrived about this time ? 

A. In July, a fleet under the command of 
Count d'Estaing, sent over by the king of 
France, arrived on the coast of the United 
States, bringing aid to the Americans. 

Q. What was done by the fleet } 

A. Nothing of any particular importance ; 
at the close of the season it sailed to the West 
Indies, where it remained during the winter. 

Q. What settlement w^as destroyed about 
this time. 

A. The settlement of AVyoming. 

Q. Where was Wyoming ? 

A. It was situated near the banks of the 
Susquehanna, in the present county of Lu- 
zerne, Pennsylvania. 

Q. Can you describe its destruction ? 

A. It ^vas attacked by a party of tories and 
Indians ; the men were butchered, and the 



THE UNITED STATES. 43 

women and children were locked up in the 
houses, which were then set on fire, and the 
unfortunate inmates were consumed in the 
flames. 

Q. Where did Washington pass the winter 
of 1778 and 1779.? 

A. At Middlebrook, in New Jersey. 

Q. What took place in July .? 

A. Stony Point, on the Hudson, was cap- 
tured by General Wayne. 

Q. In the mean time, what took place in the 
South } 

A. The British took possession of Savannah 
and Sunbury, in Georgia. 

Q. What took place at Savannah ? 

A. The Americans, under General Lincoln, 
in connection with the French fleet, attempted 
to retake it ; but the attempt was unsuccessful. 

Q. What distinguished personage was killed 
during this attack ? 

A. The brave and patriotic Pulaski, a native 
of Poland, who had come to this country to 
aid the Americans to gain their independence. 

Q. How was the campaign of 1780 com- 
menced ? 

A. The British laid siege to Charleston, the 
capital of South Carolina. 

Q. What was the result ? 

A. The city was bravely defended for some 
time, but was at length compelled to surrender, 
May 11th. 



44 HISTORY QF 

Q. What took place on the 16th of August ? 

A. General Gates was defeated near Cam- 
den, by the British, under Lord Cornwallis. 

Q. Where was the next battle fought ? 

A. At King's Mountain, North Carolina. 

Q. What party gained the victory ? 

A. The Americans, under Colonel Campbell. 

Q. What took place in July ? 

A. A French fleet, under the command of 
De Ternay, arrived at Rhode Island. 

Q. What was the number of troops on board 
this fleet ? 

A. About 6,000, under the command of 
Count de Rochambeau. 

Q. For what was this year distinguished ? 

A. For the treachery of General Arnold. 

Q. What did Arnold intend to do ? 

A. He intended to betray West Point into 
the hands of the British. 

Q. Who was the agent with whom Arnold 
had an interview ? 

A. A British officer, named Major Andre. 

Q. How were the designs of Arnold pre- 
vented ? 

A. Andre was detected on his return to New 
York. 

Q. Can you relate the particulars of his 
capture ? 

A. He w^as returning to New York in the 
dress of a private citizen, when he was stopped 
by three American soldiers, who searched him, 



THE UNITED STATES. 45 

and found a drawing of West Point, and other 
papers concealed in one of his boots. 

Q. When did this tal^e place ? 

A. On the 23d of September, 1780. 

Q. What did Andre do to obtain his release ? 

A. He offered his capturers a purse of gold, 
and a valuable watch, if they would let him go: 
these noble-hearted patriots valued their coun- 
try above gold, they refused to release him, and 
immediately led him to the American camp. 

Q. What was the fate of Andre ? 

A. He was tried and executed as a spy. 

Q. What became of Arnold ? 

A. He made his escape to New York, and 
received, as the reward of his treachery, the 
appointment of general in the British army. 



CHAPTER X. 

The Revolution concluded. 

Q. After the defeat of General Gates, wdio 
was appointed to the command of the Southern 
army ? 

A. General Greene, in 1781. 

Q. What took place on the 17th of January, 
this year ? 

A. The Americans, under General Morgan, 
gained a signal victory over the British, com- 



46 HISTORY OF 

manded by Tarlton, in the battle of the Cow- 
pens. 

Q. Which party gained the victory in the 
battle of Hobkirk's Hill ? 

A. The British, under Lord Rawdon. 

Q. Who commanded the Americans? 

A. General Greene. 

Q. What occurred at Eutavv Springs, in 
South Carolina .? 

A. General Greene completely routed the 
main body of the British army. 

Q. After this battle, where did Lord Corn- 
wallis fortify himself.'' 

A. Yorktown, in Virginia. 

Q. When General Washington heard of the 
position of Cornwallis, what did he do.'' 

A. He left his camp at White Plains, crossed 
the Hudson with his army, and passing rapidly 
through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, he ar- 
rived at the head of Elk river, or his way to 
Yorktown. 

Q. By whom was he joined ^ 

A. Marquis de Lafayette, with reinforce- 
ments. 

Q. While Washington was on his march, 
what pleasing intelligence did he receive .? 

A. He heard of the arrival of a French 
fleet, under the command of Count de Grasse. 

Q. At the same time, what fleet appeared 
off" the Capes.^ 



THE UNITED STATES. 47 , 

A. A British fleet, under the command of 
Admiral Greaves. 

Q. What action took place? 

A. A slight action took place between the 
two fleets, in which the French had the ad- 
vantage, and remained in possession of the 
Bay. 

Q. In the mean time, what did General 
Washington do ? 

A. He embarked his forces, and arrived at 
Yorktown. 

Q. What was now commenced ? 

A. A close siege was now commenced, and 
carried on with so much vigor, that Lord Corn- 
wallis was obliged to surrender himself and 
his whole army to General Washington, as pri- 
soners of war. 

Q. When did this event take place } 

A. On the 19th of October, 1781. 

Q. What was the number of the British 
troops that surrendered ? 

A. They exceeded seven thousand ? 

Q. What amount of mihltary stores were 
taken ? 

A. Seventy-five brass, and 169 iron cannon, 
7,794 muskets, 28 standards, besides many 
other valuable articles. 

Q. When the news of this glorious event 
reached Congress, what did that body re- 
commend ? 



48 HISTORY OF 

A. It recommended a day of general thanks- 
giving throughout the United States. 

Q. After the surrender of Cornwallis, what 
became of the British forces in the South ? 

A. They evacuated all their posts in South 
Carolina, and Georgia, and joined the main 
army in New York. 

Q. After this, what did G reat Britain do ? 

A. She resolved to discontinue a war, which 
had already exhausted the nation, and reflected 
so much discredit on her arms. 

Q. When were pacific overtures made to 
the American people ^ 

A. Early in the spring of 1782, when both 
nations ceased from hostilities. 

Q. Who were the American Commissioners 
with whom the treaty of peace was negotiated ? 

A. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Henry 
Laurens, and John Jay. 

Q. Where did they meet ^ 

A. In the city of Paris. 

Q. When was the treaty concluded and 
signed ? 

A. On the 30th of November, 1782. 

Q. When was it ratified by the United 
States .? 

A. On the 3d of September, 1783. 

Q. Where was Congress in session at that 
time ? 

A. At Annapolis, in Maryland. 

Q. How long had the war lasted ? 



THE UNITED STATES. 49 

A. About eight years. 

Q. What did the war cost Great Britain ? 

A. The sum of one million pounds sterling, 
and 50,000 of her subjects. 

Q. What ffook place on the 25th of No- 
vember, 1783.? 

A. The British evacuated New York, and 
General Washington, accompanied by Gover- 
nor Clinton, entered that city in triumph. 

Q. After peace was concluded, what did 
General Washington do .? 

A. He resigned his military commission, 
and retired to his peaceful home, at Mount 
Vernon, in Virginia. 

Q. About this time, what society was 
formed } 

A. The officers of the American army, be- 
fore they separated, formed themselves into a 
society, which they called Cincinnati, after 
Cincinnatus, the celebrated Roman general, 
who, after he had vanquished the enemies of 
his country, retired to his farm. 



50 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER XI. 

Adoption of the Constitution of the United 
States — Difficulties with France, 6fc. ^'c. 

Q. Previous to the formation of the pre- 
sent Constitution, by what had the United 
States been governed ? 

A. By the Articles of Confederation. 

Q. What have you to observe of them ? 

A. After the dangers of the war had passed 
away, they were found wholly insufficient for 
the public wants. 

Q. What was determined on? 

A. The formation of a Constitution, which 
might supply the deficiencies of the old one. 

Q. Where did delegates assemble for that 
purpose ? 

A. In the city of Philadelphia, on the 25lh 
of May, 1787. 

Q. How long did the delegates deliberate ? 

A. About four months. 

Q. After the delegates had agreed on the 
form of the Constitution, what did they do? 

A. They sent it to Congress, and by this 
body was sent to the different States, for their 
consideration. 

Q. Was it accepted by all the States ? 

A. No; North Carolina, and Rhode Island, at 
first rejected it, but they afterwards adopted it. 



THE UNITED STATES. 51 

Q. By the Constitution, in whom is the le- 
gislative power vested ? 

A. In a Congress, consisting of a President, 
a Senate, and House of Representatives. 

Q. Where did the first Congress meet? 

A. In the city of New York, in April, 1788. 

Q. Who was elected the first President of 
United States.? 

A. General Washington, who was then in 
the 57th y ear of his age. 

Q. Who was chosen Vice President ? 

A. John Adams, of Massachusetts. 

Q. What were some of the first acts of 
Congress ? 

A. They laid a duty on the importation of 
merchandise, and on the tonnage of vessels. 

Q. When was the United States Bank 
established ? 

A. In the year 1790, and was chartered for 
twenty years. 

Q. What distinguished man died at this 
period ? 

A. Doctor Franklin died at Philadelphia, 
while Governor of Pennsylvania, at the age of 
84 years. 

Q. What disturbance took place about this 
time .? 

A. The inhabitants of the western part of 
Pennsylvania were highly incensed by certain 
measures of Congress, for raising a revenue by 
imposing a tax upon distilled spirits. 



52 HISTORY OF 

Q. What did the President do ? 

A. Washington sent a military force into 
that section of the state, but the difficulty was 
settled without bloodshed. 

Q. What took place in 1794? 

A. The Indians, who still carried on hostili- 
ties against the whites in the Western States, 
w^ere defeated by General Wayne, and com- 
pelled to sign a treaty of peace. 

Q. In what were the United States involved ? 

A. They were involved in difficulties, grow- 
ing out of the convulsion of Europe. 

Q. What did the French do ? 

A. They put their king to death, then abol- 
ished the regal government, and established 
a republic on its ruins. 

Q. What did they look for from America } 

A. They expected that the people of the 
United States would assist them, and sent over 
to America Mr. Genet, as their agent. 

Q. What is said of the conduct of Genet? 

A. He conducted himself with great haugh- 
tiness, and treated the American Republic like 
a tributary country; his conduct was disa- 
vowed by the French government, and Mr. 
Fauchet was sent over in his place. 

Q. What course did Washington determine 
to pursue, during the distracting wars of 
Europe ? 

A. He determined to observe a strict neu- 
trality. 



THE UNITED STATES. 53 

Q. How long was Washington President of 
the United States ? 

A. He served two terms, or eight years. 

Q. At the end of his second term, what did 
he do ? 

A. He declined a re-election, issued a fare- 
well address to the American people, and re- 
tired from public life. 

Q. Who succeeded him in the office of Pre- 
sident ? 

A. John Adams, of Massachusetts. 

Q. Who was chosen Vice President.'' 

A. Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia. 

Q. During the administration of Mr. Adams, 
what is said of France? 

A. The French Directory made, with much 
insolence, certain unreasonable demands of the 
United States, and assumed a hostile attitude. 

Q. What did the United States do ? 

A. They immediately took measures of de- 
fence ; General Washington was appointed 
Commander-in-Chief of the Army, and orders 
were given for the capture of French vessels. 

Q. What followed ? 

A. Commodore Truxton, commanding the 
Constellation, American ship-of-war, captured 
two French vessels. 

Q. What was the effect of these measures ^ 

A. The French government was soon in- 
duced to make overtures of peace. 

Q. What happened about this period .'' 



54 HISTORY OF 

A. The Republic was destined to mourn 
the death of General Washington. 

Q. When and where did Washington die ? 

A. On the 14th of December, in 1799, at 
Mount Vernon, in the GSth year of his age. 

Q. Of what disease did he die.^ 

A. He died of an inflammation of the throat, 
after an ilhiess of only two days. 

Q. When and by whom was the city of 
Washington laid out? 

A. In 1791, by the distinguished man, whose 
name it bears. 

Q. When was the seat of government re- 
moved to Washington? 

A. In the year 'l 800. 

Q. What city had previously been the seat 
of Government ? 

A. The city of Philadelphia, for the space 
of ten years. 

Q. Who succeeded Mr. Adams as Presi- 
dent of the United States ? 

A. Thomas Jefferson, in 1801. 

Q. Who, at the same time was chosen Vice 
President? 

A. Aaron Burr. 

Q. About this time, what new source of 
vexation arose ? 

A. The piracies of the Barbary States. 

Q. What did Tripoli demand ? 

A. Certain tributes, which the United States 
refused to pay. 



THE UNITED STATES. 55 

Q. What followed? 

A. Several vessels belonging to the United 
States were captured. 

Q. In 1803, what took place? 

A. The American frigate Philadelphia, run 
aground near Tripoli, and all her officers and 
Kien were taken prisoners, and the vessel 
seized by the Tripolitans, 

Q. How were the American prisoners 
treated ? 

A. The officers were treated as prisoners of 
war, but the men with the greatest cruelty ; 
they were chained to loaded carts, and com- 
pelled to drag them through the town. 

Q. In 1804, what took place ? 

A. Lieutenant Stephen Decatur sailed into 
the very harbor of Tripoli, and burnt the fri- 
gate Philadelphia. 

Q. On what terms did the American pri- 
soners obtain their liberty ? 

A. On the payment of sixty thousand dol- 
lars. 

Q. From what nation was the territory of 
Louisiana purchased ? 

A. From France, in 1803, for the sum of 
$15,000,000. 

Q. What took place in the year 1807 ? 

A. Aaron Burr was tried for conspiracy. 

Q. Of what was he accused ? 

A. He was accused of an attempt to sepa- 
rate the Southern and Western States from the 



46 HISTORY OF 

rest, and to erect them into a separate govern- 
ment, the capital of which should be New 
Orleans. 

Q. What was the result of the trial ? 

A. He was acquitted for want of sufficient 
evidence. 

Q. Who had been previously killed in a duel 
by Burr.-^ 

A. Alexander Hamilton, in 1804, at Hobo- 
ken, New Jersey. 



CHAPTER XII. 

The Late War with Endand. 



"b' 



Q. What was the principal cause of the 
late v^-ar with England } 

A. The practice authorized by the British 
government of searching American vessels, 
and taking from them such persons as were 
thought to be natives of Great Britain. 

Q. What have you to observe of this prac- 
tice } 

A. It was subject to great abuse, from the 
difficulty of distinguishing between British de- 
serters and American seamen. Moreover, the 
British officers were not always anxious to 
make this distinction, and on several occasions, 
it was believed, that American citizens were 
compelled to serve in the British navy. 



THE UNITED STATES. 57 

Q. Was there any other cause ? 

A. Yes: England blockaded the ports of 
her enemies, and prevented American vessels 
entering; thus violating the rights of neutral 
nations. 

Q. When was war declared } 

A. On the ISth of June, in the year 1812. 

Q. Who was President at this time ? 

A. James Madison, who succeeded Thomas 
Jefferson in 1809. 

Q. What was one of the first operations of 
the war.? 

A. The invasion of Canada by Gen. Hull. 

Q. What was the result.? 

A. On the 16th of August General Hull dis- 
gracefully surrendered his whole army into the 
hands of the British. 

Q. When Hull returned to the States, what 
followed .? 

A. He was immediately tried by a court 
martial, found guilty of cowardice, and sen- 
tenced to be shot. 

Q. Was this sentence carried into execu- 
tion .? 

A. No: on account of his age, and the ser- 
vices he had rendered during the Revolution, 
he was pardoned by the President; but his 
name was stricken from the roll of officers. 

Q. On the 1 9th of August, what took place .? 

A. The American frigate Constitution, 
commanded by Captain Hull, captured the 



58 HISTORY OF 

British frigate Guerriere, after an action of 
only twenty minutes. 

Q. What was the loss on both sides ? 

A. The Guerriere lost fifteen killed, and 
sixty-four wounded, and that of the Consti- 
tution, was seven killed and seven wounded. 

Q. On the 25th of October, what naval 
victory was obtained ? 

A. Commodore Decatur, commanding the 
American frigate United States, captured the 
British frigate Macedonian. 

Q. In this action, what was the loss of both 
sides } 

A. The British lost thirty- six killed, sixty- 
eight wounded, the American loss amounted 
to seven killed and five wounded. 

Q. What did Captain Jones achieve ? 

A. Captain Jones, who commanded the 
Wasp, captured the Frolic, a British sloop- 
of-war; but on the same day they were both 
captured by a British frigate. 

Q. What took place in December } 

A. The Constitution, then under command 
of Captain Bainbridge, captured the British 
frigate Java. 

Q. What was the first operation of the 
year 1813? 

A. A detachment of about 800 men under 
General Winchester, was surprised and de- 
feated by the British and Indians, under Gen- 
eral Proctor, at Frenchtown. 



THE UNITED STATES. 59 

Q. What was the fate of those, who sur- 
rendered ? 

A. They were nearly all inhumanly massa- 
cred by the Indians. 

Q. What took place in April ? 

A. York, the capital of Upper Canada, was 
taken by the Americans, under General Pike. 

Q. What was the fate of General Pike ? 

A. He w^as killed in the moment of victory 
by the explosion of a magazine. 

Q. What took place in May ^ 

A. An attack was made on Sackett's Har- 
bor by the British, but they were repulsed by 
the Americans, under General Brown. 

Q. By whom was the British brig Peacock 
captured ? 

A. By Captain Lawrence, who commanded 
the Hornet. 

Q. To what vessel was Lawrence afterward 
transferred ^ 

A. To the Chesapeake. 

Q. By whom was the Chesapeake captured ^ 

A. By Captain Broke, who commanded the 
British frigate Shannon. 

Q. What was the fate of Capt. Lawrence ? 

A. He fell, mortally wounded, in the begin- 
ing of the action. 

Q. What is related of him } 

A. When carried below, wounded and bleed- 
ing, he was asked if the colors should be 
struck ; he replied : " No : they shall wave 



60 HISTORY OF 

while I live ;" and while he was able lo speak, 
he would exclaim : " Don't give up the ship !" 

Q. What was the most brilliant achieve- 
ment of this year ? 

A. Perry's victory on Lake Erie. 

Q. Can you describe the battle ? 

A. The flag ship of the Americans suffered 
severely in the beginning of the action, and 
being in a sinking condition, Perry descended 
into an open boat, and, passing through a 
shower of balls, transported his flag to another 
of his vessels. 

Q. What was the condition of the British 
fleet.? 

A. It was reduced almost to a total wreck. 

Q. After this victory, what took place } 

A. General Harrison embarked his forces, 
landed on the Canada shores, and defeated the 
British in the battle of the Thames. 

Q. In this battle who was killed .? 

A. The celebrated Indian chief, Tecumseh, 
by Colonel Johnson. 

Q. What took place in July, 1814.? 

A. General Brown defeated the British in 
the battle of Chippewa. 

Q,. Who commanded the British .? 

A. General Drummond. 

Q. On the 25th of the same month what 
took place ? 

A. Generals Brown and Scott defeated the 
British at the battle of Bridgewater. 



THE UNITED STATES. 61 

Q. What took place at Plattsburg, on Lake 
Champlain ? 

A. A brilliant victory was obtained over 
the British fleet, by the American squadron, 
commanded by Commodore McDonough. 

Q,. What was the number of men, and guns, 
on each fleet ? 

A. The British fleet carried 1,050 men and 
95 guns ; while the American force amounted 
to only 820 men and 85 guns. 

Q. While the battle raged on the lake, what 
took place on land ? 

A. An attack was made on Plattsburg by 
the British, under the command of Sir George 
Prevost, but they were repulsed with a heavy 
loss. 

Q. What took place on the 24th of August .? 

A. The Americans were defeated at Bla- 
densburg. 

Q. Who were the respective commanders? 

A. General Ross commanded the British, 
and General Winder was the American com- 
mander. 

Q. After the battle, what took place } 

A. The British marched forward and took 
possession of the city of Washington. 

Q. What buildings were ordered to be 
burnt, by General Ross .? 

A. The capitol, the treasury, war, and navy 
offices. 

Q. What city was next attacked ? 



62 HISTORY OF 

A. The city of Baltimore. 

Q. What took place on the 12th of Sep- 
tember? 

A. The British landed at North Point, be- 
low the city, but were repulsed by the Ame- 
ricans under the command of Gen. Strieker. 

Q. What was the fate of General Ross } 

A. As he advanced at the head of his army, 
he was killed by an American rifleman. 

Q. What was done by the British fleet ?^ 

A. It bombarded Fort McHenry for about 
twenty-four hours, without doing any material 
injury. 

Q. What became of the British after the 
death of General Ross ? 

A. They abandoned their attempts on Balti- 
more; and embarking on board their fleet, 
they moved down the Bay. 

Q. Previous to this time, what took place ? 

A. Overtures of peace were made by the 
Prince Regent of England. 

Q. Who were the American commissioners 
appointed to negotiate a peace ^ 

A. They were Henry Clay, Jonathan Rus- 
sell, John Quincy Adams, James A. Bayard, 
and Albert Gallatin. 

Q. Where did they meet? 

A. They met at Ghent. 

Q. While negotiations were in progress, 
what took place in the South ? 

A. A large British force, under General 



THE UNITED STATES. 63 

Packenliam, made an attack upon the city of 
New Orleans. 

Q. Who commanded the Americans ? 

A. General Jackson. 

Q. Of what did Jackson make a breast- 
work ? 

A. Of bales of cotton. 

Q. When did the battle of New Orleans 
take place .^ 

A. On the 8th of January, 1815. 

Q. What was the loss of the British } 

A. They lost 700 killed, 1,400 wounded, 
and 500 prisoners. 

Q. What was the loss of the Americans ? 

A. They lost only 7 killed, and 6 wounded. 

Q. What was the fate of Generals Packen- 
ham and Gibbs.'' 

A. They were both mortally wounded. 

Q. When was the treaty of peace concluded? 

A. On the 24th of December, 1814. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

The j\'*ational Bank, ^c. 

Q. When was the National Bank rechar- 
tered ? 

A. In the year 1816, for twenty years, with 
a capital of |35,000,000. 



64 HISTORY OF 

Q. Who succeeded Mr. Madison? 

A. Mr. Monroe, of Virginia. 

Q. How long had Mr. Madison been Pre- 
sident } 

A. Eight years. 

Q. Where did Mr. Madison retire ^ 

A. He retired to his residence in Virginia, 
where he died in 1836, at the age of 85 years. 

Q. When and by whom was Decatur killed 
in a duel ? 

A. By Commodore Barron, in 1820. 

Q. When and from what nation was Florida 
ceded to the United States ? 

A. By Spain, in the year 1820. 

Q. What sum was paid for it ^ 

A. Five millions of dollars. 

Q. When was a territorial government 
established over Florida ? 

A. In the year 1822. 

Q. What is the difference between states 
and territories .-' 

A. States elect their own governors, and 
send representatives to Congress; and terri- 
tories do not. 

Q. What ratio is at present established for 
the representation in Congress ? 

A. At the rate of one representative for 
every 70,680 inhabitants. 

Q. Therefore, how many inhabitants must a 
territory have before it can become a state? 

A. It must have at least 70,680. 



THE UNITED STATES. 65 

Q. What was the population of the United 
States in the year 1820? 

A. About nine millions five hundred thou- 
sand. 

Q. When was the colony of Liberia, in 
Africa, established ? 

A. In the year 1820. 

Q. What is the object of this settlement ? 

A. It is designed as a place for the coloni- 
zation of free Africans, and emancipated slaves 
of the United States. 

Q. What took place during the year 1824? 

A. The Marquis de La Fayette visited the 
United States. 

Q. How was he received ? 

A. He was received with every demonstra- 
tion of joy by the people, and Congress voted 
him two hundred thousand dollars, and 25,000 
acres of land, as a testimonial of the gratitude 
of the United States. 

Q. Who succeeded Mr. Monroe as Presi- 
dent of the United States? 

A. John Quincy Adams, of Massachusetts. 

Q. For what is the 4th of July, 1828, 
memorable ? 

A. For the death of the two ex-presidents, 
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. 

Q. W1iat was their respective ages ? 

A. Mr. Adams was 91, and Mr. Jefferson 
83 years of age. 



^Q HISTORY OF 

Q. By whom was Mr. Adams succeeded in 
the office of President ? 

A. By General Andrew Jackson, in the 
year 1829. 

Q. In 1832 what bill passed both houses of 
Congress ? 

A. A bill for rechartering the United States 
Bank. 

Q. Was the bill signed by the President } 

A. No: Jackson returned it to the House, 
with his objections ; and declared that in his 
opinion the bank was inexpedient and uncon- 
stitutional, and therefore he would never sanc- 
tion it by his approval. 

Q. What was the consequence ^ 

A. The National Bank, which had existed 
for forty-five years, was abolished at the expi- 
ration of its charter, in 1836. 

Q. By whom w\is General Jackson succeed- 
ed in the office of President ? 

A. By Martin Van Buren of New York. 

Q. How long had Jackson been President ? 

A. Eight years. 

Q. When, and where, did General Jackson 
die? 

A. On the 8th of June, 1845, at his resi- 
dence near Nashville, Tennessee, at the age 
of seventy-eight years. 

Q. By what was the administration of Van 
Buren disturbed ^ 



THE UNITED STATES. 67 

A. By the war with the Seminole Indians in 
Florida, who had committed the most fearful 
depredations on the inhabitants. 

Q. What was the name of their most cele- 
brated chief? 

A. Osceola. 

Q,. How was Osceola taken prisoner? 

A. He came to the camp of the Americans, 
under a flag of truce, and was detained by 
order of General Jessup. 

Q. Why was the fla j^ of truce not respected ? 

A. Because Osceola was treacherous, and 
could not be bound by any treaty. 

Q. When was the Seminole war terminated ? 

A. It was terminated in the year 1840. 

Q. What was the population of the United 
States in 1840? 

A. It amounted to 17,068,666 inhabitants. 

Q. By whom was Martin Van Buren suc- 
ceeded ? 

A. By General Harrison, in 1840. 

Q. Who, at the same time, was elected Vice 
President? 

A. John Tyler, of Virginia. 

Q. How long had Van Buren been Presi- 
dent ? 

A. Only four years. 

Q. How long did General Harrison occupy 
the presidential office ? 

A. Only one month. 

Q. When was he inaugurated ? 



68 HISTORY OF 

A. On the 4th of March, 1841. 

Q. When and where did he die ? 

A. On the 4th of the following April, in the 
presidential mansion, at Washington. 

Q. On whom did the duties of President 
devolve.? 

A. On the Vice President, Mr. Tyler, who 
served out the remainder of the term. 

Q. In 1843, what disturbance occurred in 
the state of Rhode Island } 

A. An attempt was made by the people to 
abolish the ancient charter, and to establish a 
constitution like the other states. 

Q. Had Rhode Island no constitution pre- 
vious to this time ? 

A. No : she was governed by the charter 
of Charles II, granted in the year 1663. 

Q. What was the result? 

A. The constitutional party was unsuccess- 
ful, and Thomas W. Dorr, whom they had 
elected governor, was tried, and condemned 
to imprisonment for life. 

Q. By whom was Mr. Tyler succeeded in 
the office of President } 

A. By James K. Polk, of Tennessee. 

Q. Who, at the same time, was elected Vice 
President? 

A. George M. Dallas, of Pennsylvania. 



THE UNITED STATES. 69 



CHAPTER XIV. 

War ivith Mexico — Causes of the War — The 
Battle of Palo Mto — Battle of the Resaca 
de la Pahna — Battle of Monterey — Battle 
of Biiena Vista. 

Q. What was one of the principal causes 
of the war with Mexico ? 

A. The admission of the Republic of Texas 
into the Union. 

Q. What was Texas formerly ? 

A. Texas was a Mexican province. 

Q. When did it become independent of 
Mexico ? 

A. In the year 1836. 

Q. Wliat was the chief battle. 

A. The battle of San Jacinto, in which Santa 
Anna, the President of Mexico, was taken 
prisoner, 

Q. When was Texas admitted into the 
United States } 

A. In the year 1845. 

Q. How did this act displease Mexico ? 

A. In the first place, Mexico had never ac- 
knowledged the independence of Texas ; and 
secondly, Texas claimed a greater extent of 
territory than Mexico was willing to admit. 

Q. What was the original boundary between 
the two countries .'' 



70 



HISTORY OF 



A. Mexico held the river Nueces to be the 
original boundary, but Texas maintained that 
the Rio Grande, from its source to its mouth, 
was the correct boundary between the two 
countries, and consequently claimed the terri- 
tory betAveen the two rivers. 

Q. With what boundary did the United 
States receive Texas into the Union ? 

A. With the Rio Grande as the Western 
boundary. 

Q. What followed as a consequence on the 
admission of Texas ? 

A, It followed that the United States was 
compelled to settle with Mexico, the difficulty 
concerning the disputed territory. 

Q. What orders did General Taylor re- 
ceive ^ 

A. He was directed by the President to take 
up some position west of the river Nueces, 
and to hold himself in readiness to repel any 
attempt at invasion by Mexico. 

Q. When and where was General Taylor 
born } 

A. General Zachary Taylor was born in 
the year 1790, in Orange county, Virginia. 

Q. When did he enter the army. 

A. He entered the army in the year 1808, 
as lieutenant; and during the late war he was 
promoted to the rank of Major, for his bril- 
liant defence of Fort Harrison. 

Q. Where did he afterwards distinguish 
himself? 



THE UNITED STATES. 71 

A. In the Indian war, in Florida. 

Q. When was he promoted to the rank of 
General ? 

A. In the year 1840, and was appointed to 
the command of the army in the South, 

Q. When did he receive the rank of Major 
General ? 

A. Shortly after the commencement of the 
Mexican war. 

Q. Where did General Taylor take up his 
position? 

A. He crossed the Colorado river, and took 
up a position at Point Isabel, where he erected 
a fort, called Fort Polk. 

Q. What did he do on the 28th of March > 

A. He advanced towards the Rio Grande, 
took up a position opposite Matamoras, and 
erected Fort Brown. 

Q. In the mean time, who was sent to Mex- 
ico, as commissioner on the part of the United 
States.? 

A. Mr. Slidell. 

Q. What was the result } 

A. The Mexican government would not re- 
ceive him, and he was compelled to return. 

Q. On the 24th of April, what took place.? 

A. General Arista, the commander of the 
Mexican forces, informed General Taylor that 
he considered hostilities already commenced. 

Q. On the 29th of April, of what was Gen- 
eral Taylor informed ? 



72 HISTORY OP 

A. He was informed that Point Isabel was 
in danger of being taken by the enemy ; and 
he immediately set out to its relief. 

Q. During his absence, what happened ? 

A. Fort Brown was furiously attacked by 
the Mexicans, 

Q. On receiving intelligence of this, what 
did General Taylor do ? 

A. He immediately commenced his march 
back to Fort Brown. 

Q. At Palo Alto, what took place? 

A. He was met by the Mexicans, drawn up 
in order of battle, and prepared to dispute his 
progress. 

Q. What followed .? 

A. A severe and obstinate battle followed, 
in which the Mexicans were defeated. 

Q. When did this battle take place ? 

A. On the 8th of May, 1846. 

Q. What was the loss on both sides ? 

A. The Mexicans lost over 300, in killed 
and wounded; the American loss was 9 killed, 
and 42 wounded. 

Q. Among the Americans, what distinguish- 
ed man was killed ? 

A. Major Ringgold, the commander of the 
Flying Artillery. 

Q. When and where was the next battle 
fought } 

A. On the next day, at a place called Re- 
saca de la Palma. 



THE UNITED STATES. 73 

Q. What was the issue of this battle? 

A. The Mexicans were again defeated, and 
fled with precipitation across the river to Ma- 
tamoras. 

Q. By what was this battle distinguished ? 

A. It was distinguished by the desperate 
charge of Captain May, who, at the head of 
his dragoons, rode up to the very mouth of 
the enemy's cannon, silenced the batteries, 
and took General Vega prisoner. 

Q. What did the Mexicans lose ^ 

A. They lost the whole of their artillery, 
2,000 stand of arms, 600 mules, with the pri- 
vate papers of General Arista. 

Q. What was the loss on both sides ? 

A. The Mexicans lost 800 in killed and 
wounded, while the Americans lost 39 killed 
and 82 wounded. 

Q. When did General Taylor take posses- 
sion of the city of Matamoras ? 

A. On the 18th of May. 

Q. Where did General Taylor next direct 
his march ? 

Q. To Monterey, the capital of New Leon, 
a city situated about 170 miles from Mata- 
moras. 

Q. What took place at this city ? 

A. A severe battle took place, which con- 
tinued with but little intermission for three 
days. 

Q. What was the issue of the battle ? 
6 
1 



74 HISTORY OF 

A. The Mexicans were defeated, and the 
city surrendered to General Taylor. 

Q. What was the number of the Mexican 
army ? 

A. It numbered about 10,000 men; while 
the forces under General Taylor amounted to 
only 6,000. 

Q. What was the loss on both sides .? 

A. The Americans lost about 125 killed, 
and 350 wounded ; the Mexicans lost nearly 
1,000 killed and wounded. 

Q. When did this battle take place? 

A. It commenced on the 21st, and ended on 
the 23d of September, 1846. 

Q. Where was the next battle fought ^ 

A. At a place called Buena Vista. 

Q. Who commanded the Mexicans in this 
battle } 

A. General Santa Anna. 

Q. What was the number of the forces on 
each side ? 

A. The Mexicans amounted to about 20,000 
men, while the forces under General Taylor 
amounted to only 5,000. 

Q. What was the issue of the battle ? 

A. The Mexicans were defeated, with a 
loss of nearly 2,000 in killed and wounded. 

Q. What was General Taylor's loss ? 

A. He lost 267 killed, and 456 wounded. 

Q. Can you mention the names of some of 
our officers who fell ? 



THE UNITED STATES. 75 

A. Yes: among them were Colonels Mc- 
Kee, Harden, Fell, Davis and Clay. 

Q. When did this battle take place? 

A. It took place on the morning of the 23d 
of February, 1847. 

Q. Can you relate any incident of this bat- 
tle? 

A. While the battle raged in all its fury, 
Mr. Crittenden was sent with some message 
to the Mexican camp; while there, General 
Santa Anna told him, if General Taylor would 
surrender, he would be protected. Crittenden 
coolly replied — " General Taylor never surren- 
ders T 



CHAPTER XV. 

War with Mexico — General Scott — Surrender 
of Vera Cruz — Battle of Cerro Gordo — 
Battle of Co7itreras — Battle of Churuhusco 
— Surrender of the City of Mexico. 

Q. In the mean time what took place ? 

A. In the mean time General Scott was or- 
dered to take command of the forces of the 
United States in Mexico. 

Q. When and where was General Scott 
born ? 

A. General Winfield Scott was born in the 
year 1786, near Petersburg, in Virginia. 



76 HISTORY OF 

Q. When did he receive a commission in 
the army ? 

A. In the year 1808, he received a captain's 
commission ; and by his bravery and talents, 
he has risen to his present distinguished post 
of Commander-in-chief of the United States 
forces. 

Q. What was the first operation of General 
Scott, after he arrived in Mexico? 

A. His first operations were directed against 
the city of Vera Cruz. 

Q. When and by whom was the city of Vera 
Cruz founded ? 

A. It was founded in the year 1519, by 
Hernando Cortez, the early conqueror of 
Mexico. 

Q. By what celebrated fortress was the city 
defended ? 

A. By the Castle of San Juan de Ulloa, 
situated on a small island, opposite the city. 

Q. How did General Scott effect the reduc- 
tion of the city ? 

A. He landed his troops below the city, 
and placed his batteries in such a position, that 
the place was soon compelled to surrender. 

Q. Before commencing operations, what did 
he do ? 

A. He sent a summons to the Mexican Com- 
mander to surrender the city ; at the same time 
permitting, all the inhabitants, who desired it, 
to retire with their property. 



THE UNITED STA.TES. 77 

Q. When did the city surrender? 

A. On the 27th of March, 1847. 

Q. After the capture of Vera Cruz, where 
did General Scott direct his march ? 

A. Towards the middle of April, he left 
Vera Cruz, and directed his march towards 
the city of Mexico. 

Q. Where did the Mexicans assemble to 
oppose his march? 

A. At a place called Cerro Gordo. 

Q. What followed ? 

A. A desperate battle followed, in which 
the Mexicans were again defeated. 

Q. What was the loss on each side ? 

A. The Mexicans lost 1,200 in killed, and 
wounded ; the loss, on the part of our army, 
amounted to 63 killed, and 368 wounded. 

Q. How many Mexicans were taken pri- 
soners ? 

A. About 3,000, and among them were 288 
officers, and 5 generals. 

Q. What is related of Santa Anna ? 

A. He escaped from the field of battle, 
leaving his carriage, and even his wooden leg, 
in the hands of the enemy. 

Q. When did this battle take place ? 

A. It took place on the 17th and 18th of 
April, 1847. 

Q. After this battle what did General Scott 
do? 

A. Without delay he marched forward, and 



78 HISTORY OP 

took possession of the cities of Jalapa, Perote, 
and finally that of Puebla. 

Q. Where is the cities of Jalapa, and Perote ? 

A. Jalapa is situated, on the road to the 
city of Mexico, about fifty miles from Vera 
Cruz : and Perote is situated about sixty miles 
from the coast, and was defended by a strong 
fortress. 

Q. What did the Americans obtain by the 
surrender of this city ? 

A. The fortress was abandoned at the ap- 
proach of the Americans, leaving behind 64 
pieces of cannon, 11,065 cannon balls, 14,300 
bombs, and 500 muskets. 

Q. Where is Puebla situated ? 

A. Puebla is situated, about sixty miles from 
the city of Mexico, and one hundred and 
eighty-six from Vera Cruz. It is a very hand- 
some city, and contains about eighty thousand 
inhabitants. 

Q. Where did the next battle take place } 

A. At a place called Contreras. 

Q. Where is Contreras ? 

A. It is a lofty eminence, not far from the 
city of Mexico. 

Q. What was the issue of the battle ? 

A. The Mexicans were defeated, with a loss 
of 700 killed, and 813 taken prisoners. 

Q. When did this battle take place } 

A. On the 20th of August, 1847. 

Q. What place was next attacked ? 



THE UNITEP STATES. 79 

A. The fortifications of Churubusco. 

Q. How was the place defended ? 

A. It was defended by General Santa Anna, 
at the head of 25,000 men, strongly entrenched. 

Q. Describe the battle ? 

A. The battle, which continued three hours, 
was furious in the extreme ; at length the scale 
of victory turned in favor of the Americans. 
The Mexicans fled leaving their fortifications 
in the hands of the enemy. 

Q. What was the loss on each side ? 

A. The Mexicans lost 600 in killed and 
wounded, and 1,100 prisoners ; but the Amer- 
ican loss amounted to nearly 1 ,000, in killed and 
wounded. 

Q. When did this battle take place } 

A. On the 20th of August, the same day 
with the battle of Contreras. 

Q. After the battle, what did General Scott 
do? 

A. He proposed an armistice, that the 
Mexican government might treat with our 
commissioner, Mr. Trist. 

Q. Was the armistice accepted ? 

A. It was ; but General Scott, finding that 
the Mexicans were secretly fortifying the city, 
declared the armistice at an end, after it had 
continued about 12 days. 

Q. What followed? 

A. Hostilities were immediately renewed, 
with redoubled energy on both sides. 



80 HISTORY OP 

Q. What was the first place of attack after 
the renewal of hostilities ? 

A. A strong fortress, called Molino del Rey, 
or the King's Mill. 

Q. How was it defended? 

A. It was defended by ten pieces of ar- 
tillery, and about 10,000 men. 

Q. What was the number of our forces .? 

A. About 4,000 men. 

Q. What was the issue of the battle.'' 

A. After a dreadful conflict of three hours, 
the Mexicans fled, leaving the fortress in the 
hands of the Americans. 

Q. What place was next attacked } 

A. The fortress of Chapultepec, which was 
considered as the key to the city of Mexico. 

Q,. What was the result.^ 

4-. After a bloody contest of several hours, 
the fortress was surrendered to the valor of 
our arms. 

Q. What followed the taking of this for- 
tress .'' 

A. It was followed by the reduction of the 
city of Mexico. 

Q. When did this event take place ? 

A. On the morning of the 15th of Septem- 
ber, 1847, our troops entered the city, and at 7 
o'clock our banner, for the first time, waved 
in triumph over the Mexican capital. 

Q. Where is the city of Mexico situated .? 

A. The city of Mexico is situated in a beau- 
tiful valley, about 252 miles from Vera Cruz. 



THE UNITED STATES. 81 

It stands upon nearly the same ground as that 
of the ancient city which was conquered by 
Cortez. 

Q. What is its present population? 

A. It contains at present about 200,000 in- 
habitants. 

Q. When our troops entered the city what 
became of General Santa Anna? 

A. The night previous to its surrender, he 
escaped, and retired to Guadaloupe. 

Q. When and where was a treaty of peace 
concluded? 

A. On the 2d of Frebruary, 1848, a treaty 
of peace was signed by the commissioners of 
both nations, at the city of Guadaloupe Hi- 
dalgo. 

Q. When and where was it ratified ? 

A. It was ratified by both governments on 
the 30th of May, 1848, at Queretaro. 

Q. By this treaty what is the present boun- 
dary between the two Republics ? 

A. The boundary line commences in the 
Gulf of Mexico, three leagues from land, and 
proceeds from thence up the middle of the 
Rio Grande to the southern boundary of Mex- 
ico ; from thence to its western termination ; 
thence along its western line until it intersects 
the river Gila ; thence down that river until it 
empties into the Rio Colorado; then across 
the Colorado, following the line of division 
between Upper and Lower California, to the 
Pacific Ocean. 



A 

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 

OF 

AMERICAN HISTORY, 

From the Discovery, in 1492, to the year 1850. 



1492 Columbus discovers the New World. 
1497 The Cabots discover the Continent of N. America. 
1499 Vespucci's voyage with Ojeda. 
1501 Voyage of Cortereal. 
1512 Juan Ponce de Leon discovers Florida. 
1523 Verrazini explores the American coast. 
1526 Narvaez attempts the conquest of Florida. 
1534 Jacques Cartier sails up the St. Lawrence. 
1539 Ferdinand de Soto begins the conquest of Florida. 
1541 Soto discovers the Mississippi river. 
1562 Ribault leaves a French colony on the coast of Flo- 
rida. 

1564 Laudonniere begins a French settlement on the river 

May. 

1565 St. Augustine, the oldest town in the United States, 

founded by Pedro Melendez. 
1576 Frobisher's expedition. 

1579 Oregon territory visited by Sir Francis Drake. 
First voyage of Sir Humphry Gilbert. 

1583 Gilbert takes possession of Newfoundland. 

1584 Raleigh's first expedition sent to Carolina, com- 
manded by Amidas and Barlow. 

1603 Gosnold's voyage to New England. 
1605 First permanent French settlement in North Ameri- 
ca made at Port Royal. 



84 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 

1607 Jamestown in Virginia founded; the earliest per- 

manent English settlement in North America. 

1608 Quebec settled by Champlain. 

1609 Henry Hudson discovers the Hudson river. 

1610 The starving time in Virginia. 

1611 Sir Thomas Dale arrives in Virginia. 
1613 New York settled by the Dutch. 

1619 First General Assembly of Virginia. 

1620 Landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth. 

1621 Charter granted to the Dutch West India Company 

for settling the territory between the Connecticut 
and the Delaware. 

1622 Patent granted to Gorges and Mason by the Ply- 

mouth Company. 

1623 Portsmouth and Dover settled by Gorges and Mason. 
Albany settled by the Dutch. 

1627 The Swedes settle on the Delaware, and call their 
colony New Sweden. 

1630 Heath's patent, for Carolina, granted. 

1631 Windsor in Connecticut settled. 
16^3 Maryliind settled by Lord Baltimore. 

The Dutch settle at Hartford. 

1634 Banishment of Roger Williams from Massachusetts. 
Kepresentative form of government first adopted in 

New England. 

1635 Saybrook settled by John Winthrop. 

1636 Mr. Hooker emigrates from Massachusetts to Con- 

necticut. 

1637 Pequod war. 

1638 New Haven settled. 

1641 New Hampshire annexed to Massachusetts. 

1643 Confederation of the New England colonies. 

1644 Roger Williams obtains a charter for Rhode Island. 

1650 Connecticut abandoned by the Dutch. 

1651 Virginia capitulates to the parliament. 
Risingh takes Fort Casimir from the Dutch. 

1655 Sluyvesant, the Dutch governor of New York, con- 
quers New Sweden. 
1660 Charles II proclaimed in Virginia. 

1663 Lord Clarendon obtains a charter for Carolina. 

1664 Commissioners sent to New England to regulate the 

colonies. 



OF AMERICAN HISTORY. 85 

1664 New York taken from the Dutch by the English. 
Charles II grants to the Duke of York a patent for 
the country from the Delaware to the Connecticut. 
The Duke of York grants JNew Jersey to Berkeley 
and Cartaret. 

1670 Port Royal in South Carolina settled by Gov. Sayle. 

1671 Charleston settled. 

1673 New York re-conquered by the Dutch. 

1674 New York restored to the English at tne treaty of 

Westminster. 

1675 Commencement of King Philip's war. 

1676 Bacon's rebellion in Virginia. 
Death of King Philip. 

Maine purchased by Massachusetts. 

1681 First representative assembly in New Jersey. 
Penn receives a charter for Pennsylvania. 

1682 Philadelphia founded. 

1684 Colonel Dongan and Lord Effingham's treaty with 

the Five Nations. 

1685 Charles II dies and is succeeded by James II. 

1686 Sir Edmund Andros appointed President of New 

England. 
1637 Andros attempts to deprive Connecticut of its charter. 

1688 New York and New Jersey added to the jurisdiction 

of Andros. 
Revolution in England, which gives the sovereignty 
to William and Mary. 

1689 Andros deposed and imprisoned, and William and 

Mary proclaimed at Boston. 
Jacob Leisler usurps the government of New York. 
War on the Canada border. Port Royal, in Nova 
Scotia, taken from the French. 
1691 Colonel Sloughter appointed governor of New York. 

Leisler deposed and executed. 
1694 Culture of rice introduced into South Carolina. 

1701 Penn grants a new charter to Pennsylvania. 
Lord Cornbury appointed governor of New York. 

1702 War with France and Spain. 
Expedition against St. Augustine. 
War on the Canada border. 

1706 Unsuccessful attack of the Spaniards on Charleston. 



86 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 

1712 War in North Carolina with the Tuscarora and Coree 

Indians. 
1729 North and South Carolina separated. 

1732 General Oglethorpe obtains a charter for Georgia. 

1733 General Oglethorpe colonises Georgia. 
1740 Oglethorpe besieges St. Augustine. 

1742 Invasion of Georgia by the Spaniards successfully 
resisted. 

1744 War between France and England. 

1745 Louisbourg taken. 

1748 Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. 

1752 Charter of Georgia surrendered to the king. 

1754 Commencement of the Old French War. 

1755 Nova Scotia conquered by the British. 
Defeat of General Braddock. 

1756 War formally declared between France and England. 

1757 Fort William Henry taken by Montcalm. 

1758 Forts Du Quesne and Frontignac taken by the Eng- 

lish. 

1759 Quebec taken. General Wolfe killed. 

1765 Stamp act passed. 

First Continental Congress meets at New York. 

1766 Stamp act repealed. 

1768 Boston garrisoned by British troops. 

1773 Tea destroyed in Boston. 

1774 Boston Port bill passed. 

Continental Congress assembles at Philadelphia. 

1775 April 19— Battle of Lexington and Concord. 
May — Ticonderoga and Crown Point taken. 

June 15 — Washington appointed commander in 
chief. 
17— Battle of Breed's Hill. 
Nov. 19— Montreal taken by General Montgomery. 
Dec. 31— Attack on Quebec defeated. Montgomery 
killed. 

1776 March 17 — Boston evacuated by the British. 
June 28— Attack on Charleston defeated. 
July 4 — Declaration of Independence. 

Aug. 26— Americans defeated on Long Island. 
Sept. 15— New York occupied by the British. 
Oct. 28— Battle of White Plains. 
Nov.— -Retreat of Washington through New Jersey. 



OF AMERICAN HISTORY. 87 

1776 Dec. 26— Battle of Trenton. 

1777 Jan. 2— Battle of Princeton. 

Arrival of La Fayette. 
Arrival of Burgoyne. 
July — Ticonderoga taken* by Burgoyne's troops. 
Capture of General Prescott. 
General Howe leaves New York and sails 
with 1,600 men for the South. 
Aug. 16 — Battle of Bennington. 
Sept. 11 — Battle of Brandy wine. 

18 — Congress leaves Philadelphia. 
19— Battle of Stillwater. 
26— Philadelphia occupied by the British. 
Oct. 4 — Battle of Germantown. 

7— Second Battle of Stillwater. 
12— Surrender of Burgoyne. 
22— Battle of Redbank. 
Nov. 15— Articles of Confederation of the United 

States ratified. 
Dec. 11— Washington retires to Valley Forge, 

1778 Treaty between France and the United States. 
May— Retreat of Barren Hill. 

June IS— The British evacuate Philadelphia. 

28— Battle of Monmouth. 
July— Arrival of Count D'Estaing with a French 
fleet. 
Massacre at Wyoming. 
Aug. — Unsuccessful attempt to recover Rhode Island. 
Dec. 28— The British take Savannah. 

1779 Feb.— Unsuccessful attempt of the British on Port 

Royal. 
j March 3— Battle of Briar Creek. 

I April — Gen'l Prevost advances towards Charleston. 

May — Descent of the British on Virginia. 
June 20— Defeat of General Lincoln at Stono Ferry, 
July — Descent of the British on Connecticut. 
15 — Storming of Stony Point. 
19 — Storming of Paulus Hook. 
25 — Defeat of the Americans at Penobscot. 
Sept. — Arrival of the French fleet at Savannah. 
23— Battle of the Bon Homme Richard and Se- 
rapis. 



88 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 

1779 Oct. 4 — Siege of Savannah. 
17S0 May 12— Charleston capitulates. 

29— Battle at the Waxhaws. 
July 12— British defeated at Williamson's Plantation. 

1780 Aug. 16— Battle of Camden. 

18— Defeat of Sumter at Firling Creek. 
Sept. — Arnold's treason at West Point. 
Oct. 7— Battle of King's Mountain. 

1781 Jan. — Descent of Arnold on Virginia. 

17 — Battle of Cowpens. 
March 15— Battle of Guilford. 
April 23— Marion takes Fort Watson. 
Sept. 6— Descent of the British on New London. 
7 — Naval engagement of De Grasse and Graves. 
8— Battle of Eutaw. 
Oct. 19 — Siege and surrender of Yorktown. 

1782 Feb. 27 — General Conway makes a motion in the 

British Parliament for discontinuing the American 
war. 

Nov. — Treaty of Peace between the United States 
and Great Britain signed. 

Dec— American officers petition Congress for pay- 
ment of arrears. 

1783 March — Meeting of the officers. 

April 19— Cessation of hostilities between the Uni- 
ted States and Great Britain, proclaimed by Gene- 
ral Washington. 
Dec. 4— Washington takes leave of the officers of 
the army. 
23 — Washington resigns his commission. 

1784 Sept.— Shay's rebellion. 

1785 March — Convention at Alexandria. 

1786 Sept. — Convention at Annapolis. 

1787 May — Convention meets at Philadelphia for framing 

the Federal Constitution. 
Sept. 17 — Constitution made public. 

1788 The new Constitution ratified by all the States ex- 

cept Rhode Island. 

1789 March 4— Washington's Administration commences. 

1790 National debt funded. 

Aug. 7— Creek War terminated by a treaty. 



OF AMERICAN HISTORY. 89 

1790 First Census of the United States taken: population 

3,929,326. 

1791 The City of Washington laid out. 
Nov. — Defeat of General St. Clair. 

Vermont admitted to the Union. 

1793 Yellow Fever rages in Philadelphia. 

1794 Aug. 20 — General Wayne defeats the Indians on the 

Miami. 
Died this year. General Sullivan and Richard Henry 
Lee. 

1795 Treaty with Algiers concluded. 
General Marion dies. 

1797 John Adams elected President, and Thomas Jeffer- 
son Vice President of the LTnited States. 
March 4— Commencement of John Adams' Admi- 
nistration. 
The Yellow Fever again visits Philadelphia. 

1799 Dec. 14— Death of General Washington. 

1800 Second Census of the U. States: population 5,305,485. 
Sept. 30 — Treaty of peace between the United States 

and France signed. 
Nov. — Congress first sits at Washington. 

1801 March 4— Commencement of Jefferson's Adminis- 

tration. 

1802 July 20— Louisiana ceded to France. 

1803 April 30— Louisiana purchased by the United States. 

War with Tripoli. 
1807 June— Affair of the Chesapeake and Leopard. 
Dec. — Embargo Law passed. 
Burr's Conspiracy and Trial. 
1809 March 4 — Commencement of Madison's Adminis- 
tration. 
Embargo Law repealed. 

April 23 — Mr. Erskine engages on behalf of the 
British government that the Orders in Council 
shall be rescinded. 

1811 May 16— Affair of the Little Belt. 
Nov. 7 — Battle of Tippecanoe. 

1812 Jan. 11— Additional force of 35,000 men authorized. 

Loan of eleven million dollars authorized. 
Enrolment of militia authorized, not ex- 
ceeding 100,000. 
7 



90 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 

1812 June 18— War declared against Great Britain by the 
United States. 
23 — Orders in Council revoked. 
July 12— General Hull invades Canada. 
Aug. 9— Battle of Brownstown. 
Aug. 13— British ship-of-war Alert, taken by the 
Essex. 
Surrender of Fort Mackinaw. 
16— General Hull capitulates. 
19 — Guerriere, British frigate, taken by the 
Constitution. 
Sept. — General Harrison takes command of the 
North- Western army. 
3 — Attack on Fort Harrison. 
Oct'r 8— Brigs Detroit and Caledonia taken by a 
p^rty of American volunteers. 
13 — Unsuccessful attack on Queenstown by 

the American troops. 
14— Abortive expedition of General Hopkins. 
17 — British ship Frolic captured by American 
ship Wasp. Both vessels afterwards 
taken by the Poictiers, 74. 
25— Macedonian frigate taken by the United 
States. 
Nov. — Unsuccessful operaticns of General Smyth. 
Dec. 29— Java, British frigate, taken by the Con- 
stitution. 
1813 Jan. — The army and navy ordered to be increased 
by Congress. 
13— General Winchester surprised and defeated 
by the enemy. 
Feb. 23— British ship Peacock, taken by the Hornet. 
March 4 — James Madison inaugurated President, and 

Elbridge Gerry Vice-President. 
April 15 — Mobile taken by a body of the American 
army. 
27— York, in Upper Canada, taken. General 
Pike killed. 
jVlay — Fort Meigs besieged by the British. General 
Clay defeated. 
27— Fort George taken by the American troops. 



OF AMERICAN HISTORY. 91 

1813 May 29— British defeated in an attempt on Sackett's 
Harbor. 
June 1 — Chesapeake frigate taken by the British 
frigate Shannon. 
5 — Generals Chandler and Winder taken pri- 
soners at Stony Creek. 

1813 June 23— Admiral Cockburn defeated at Craney 

Island. 
25— Hampton taken by the British. 
Aug. 1 — Fort Sandusky unsuccessfully attacked by 
the allied British and Indian force. 
14— United States brig Argus taken by the 
British ship Pelican. 
Sept. 4— British brig Boxer taken by United States 
brig Enterprize. 
10 — British squadron on Lake Erie taken by 
the Americans. 
Oct. 5 — British army defeated and taken by Gen- 
eral Harrison. 
Nov. 1 — Expedition against Montreal. 
11 — Battle of Williamsburg. 
19 — Fort Niagara taken. 

1814 Feb. 23— Mission to Gottenburg. 

March 20 — Frigate Essex taken by two British ves- 
sels. 
April 21— United States ship Frolic taken. 
28 — Epervier taken by the Peacock. 
July 3 — Fort Erie taken by General Brown. 
6— Battle of Chippeway. 
25— Battle of Bridgewater. 
Aug. 9 — Attack on Stonington. 
15— Battle of Fort Erie. 
24 — Battle of Bladensburg. Washington taken, 
the Capitol and other public buildings 
burned by the British. 
Sept. 1 — Avon taken by the Wasp. 

11 — British squadron on Lake Champlain cap- 
tured by the American squadron under 
Commodore M'Donough. Defeat of the 
British at Plattsburg. 
24 — Treaty of Peace signed at Ghent. 
Dec. 28— British first repulsed at New Orleans. 



92 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 

1815 Jan. 1— Second repulse of the British. 

8 — Signal defeat of the British, by General 
Jackson. 
■ 15 — United States frigate President taken by a 
British squadron. 
Feb. 17 — Treaty of peace ratified. 

1815 Feb. 20— Cyane and Levant taken by the Consti- 

tution. War declared against the Algerines. 

April — Massacre of the American prisoners at Dart- 
moor, in England. 

May— Commodore Decatur sails with a squadron to 
Algiers. 

June 18— An Algerine frigate of 44 guns, captured 
by the Guerriere. 

Aug. — The Franklin, 74, launched. Treaty of 
peace concluded with the Dey of Algiers. 

1816 April — The National Bank established by Congress 

with a capital of thirty-five millions. 
Oct'r — A treaty concluded by General Jackson with 

the Indians. 
Dec. — Indiana Territory admitted into the Union as 

a State. 

1817 Jan. 1 — The United States Bank opened for business 

at Philadelphia. 
March 4 — James Monroe inaugurated President, and 

D. D. Tompkins Vice President. 
Dec. 11 — The Mississippi Territory admitted into 

the Union, 

1818 War with the Seminole Indians commenced. 
April — The Seminoles defeated and dispersed by 

General Jackson. 

May 1— Arbuthnot and Armbrister tried, and after- 
wards executed by order of General Jackson. 

May 28 — General Jackson takes possession of Pen- 
sacola. 

Nov.— Pensacola restored to the Spaniards, by order 
of the American government. 

Dec. 4— Illinois Territory admitted into the Union. 

1819 Arkansas Territory organized by act of Congress. 
Feb. 2.3 — A treaty for the cession of Florida signed 

at Washington, and ratified by the United States. 
May— The first Steamship sails for Europe. 



OF AMERICAN HISTORY. 93 

1819 Aug.— The King of Spain refuses to ratify the Flo- 

rida treaty. 
23— Commodore Perry dies in the West Indies. 
Dec. — Alabama admitted into the Union. 

1820 Population of the United States, 9,625,734. 

1820 Maine admitted into the Union as a state. 
American Colonization Society sent out their first 

colonists to Liberia. 

1821 Missouri admitted into the Union as a state. 

1824 The Marquis de La Fayette visited the United States. 

1825 March 4 — John Quincy Adams inaugurated Presi- 

dent of the United States. 

1826 July 4— The Ex-Presidents John Adams and Tho- 

mas Jefferson died. 
American Temperance Society instituted at Boston. 

1829 March 4— Andrew Jackson inaugurated President 

of the United States. 

1830 An act passed by Congress to remove the Indians 

residing in any of the States or territories, to the 
west of the Missisippi. 
Poptilation of the United States, 12,866,020. 

1832 The United States visited with the cholera. 

1833 Andrew Jackson commences his second term as 

President of the United States. 
Removal of the government deposites, from the 
United States Bank to the state banks. 

1835 Sept. — Wisconsin made a territory. 
Arkansas admitted into the Union. 
Great tire in New York. 

1836 February 29— General Gaines' battle. 

May — The Creeks make war upon the whites. 

1837 Michigan admitted into the Union. 
March 4 — Van Buren inaugurated. 
Great pecuniary distress. 

May 10 — The banks stop specie payments. 
Dec. 31— General Clinch's battle of the Withlacoo- 
chee. 

1838 Canadians revolt, and are aided by the Americans. 
1841 March 4 — Wm. H, ffarrison inaugurated. 

April 4 — Death of President Harrison. 
1843 August 5— Great flood and tornado at Philadelphia 
and various parts of the United States. 



94 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 

1845 March 4— James K. Polk inaugurated. 
June 8 — General Jackson dies. 

Dec. 29 — Texas admitted into the Union. 

1846 May 3d— Hostilities commenced between Mexico 

and the United States. Battle of Palo Alto. 

1847 Feb. 23— Battle of Buena Vista. 

March 26 — Vera Cruz surrenders to General Scott. 
Sept. 15 — The city of Mexico surrenders. 

1848 John Q. Adams falls and dies in the House of Con- 

gress. 
Feb. 2 — A treaty of peace concluded at Guadaloupe 
Hidalgo, between the United States and Mexico. 

1849 March 4 — General Zachary Taylor inaugurated Pre- 

sident. 
Ex-President Polk died. 



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